In our day, when most adults and many children seem glued to their screened devices, some of us may need help disengaging and finding other intellectual or spiritual sustenance. In this charming, humorous, and colorful picture book, the Mazel family needs some assistance learning to appreciate Shabbat peace and quiet in a screen-free environment. And who is there to provide this aid but their very own Fairy Godbubbie, who appears right in the nick of time with Shabbat candles and an uncanny ability to freeze smartphones, computers, and tablets until Shabbat is over.
Suddenly, instead of the glow of electronic screens, the house is filled with the aura of soft candle light. Without their attention diverted electronically, the family can, as Fairy Godbubbie phrases it, schmooze and kibbitz with one another. Suddenly meals are joyously shared, games are played with relish, and Shabbat peace and togetherness reign in the Mazel home. Fairy Godbubbie miraculously reappears with a Havdalah candle at the end of Shabbat and the screens all come back to life. The Mazel family learns about the many benefits of a screen-free shabbat and are eager to observe again the following week.
Adorable pictures of a loving family, a sprinkling of Yiddish vocabulary, and a fresh, new take on Shabbat joy fill this sweet story with learning, substance, and healthy Jewish values. Sometimes we all need a Fairy Godbubbie!
Michal Hoschander Malen is the editor of Jewish Book Council’s young adult and children’s book reviews. A former librarian, she has lectured on topics relating to literacy, run book clubs, and loves to read aloud to her grandchildren.
